What Funeral Benefits are Available to Veteran Families?

If you or a loved one is a Veteran, you may be eligible for government-provided funeral benefits. These benefits honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. Veterans and help reduce the financial burden of end-of-life expenses. These benefits are available whether you choose burial or cremation services.

Whether you're planning ahead or handling a recent loss, understanding what’s available can help you make informed, cost-effective decisions.

Why Planning Ahead Matters for Veterans

Prepaid cremation services bring peace of mind and ensure your loved one’s wishes are honored. For Veterans and their families, it also helps prepare for the benefits they may be entitled to. While you cannot reserve space in advance, you can indicate a preferred Veterans cemetery and gather documentation to streamline the process.

Here are some key advantages of preplanning:

• Confirm eligibility early by locating discharge papers (DD214) and other required records
• List a preferred national or state Veterans cemetery to guide your family’s choices
• Ensure military honors and memorial items are properly requested in time
• Relieve your loved ones from having to make decisions during a difficult time
• Help reduce costs by applying any available VA benefits and documenting funding options

Am I Eligible for Veteran Funeral Services?

You may qualify for a Veteran’s funeral with honors if any of the following apply:

• You are currently on active duty or in the Selected Reserve
• You were honorably discharged after active duty service
• You were discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a service-related disability
• You completed at least one full term of enlistment in the Selected Reserve and were not dishonorably discharged

Surviving family members, such as spouses and minor children, may also be eligible for certain benefits.

What Funeral Benefits Are Available to Veterans?

If you or your loved one meets eligibility requirements, you may be entitled to:

• VA Burial Allowance to help cover funeral and cremation costs
• VA Plot or Interment Allowance to offset cemetery expenses
• VA Transportation Reimbursement for costs related to transporting remains to the final resting place
• Military Honors at the funeral or memorial service
• Presidential Memorial Certificate, signed by the current U.S. President
• Veteran Headstone or Marker at no cost, available for use in private or national cemeteries

How to Be Buried in a Veterans Cemetery

To be interred in a VA national cemetery or a state Veterans cemetery, you typically must be one of the following:

• A U.S. Veteran who received an honorable discharge
• A service member who died while on active duty
• The spouse or minor child of a Veteran

How Tulip Helps Families with Veteran Benefits

At Tulip, we’re proud to be a Veterans Funeral Specialist provider. Our experienced care team walks you through every step of the process, including:

• Assisting with VA forms and applications
• Submitting requests for the Presidential Memorial Certificate, Military Honors, and headstones or markers
• Coordinating with a national or state Veterans cemetery based on your preferences
• Verifying and applying any pre-paid funding to reduce costs
• Making sure your family receives all eligible benefits at the time of death

Get a free quote today. Tulip’s 24/7 care team helps you plan with confidence and honor your loved one’s service with dignity and respect.